RCT Council to establish community resilience hubs

Community Resilience Hubs are being established across the County to support those advised by the NHS to self-isolate as a result of pre-existing health conditions.

A total of seven hubs will co-ordinate volunteering activity, alongside the third sector, to support between 10,000 and 15,000 vulnerable people who are now required to self-isolate for a period of at least 12 weeks. The Community Resilience Hubs will also support those aged over 70 years of age, have pre-existing health conditions, are pregnant, or are displaying symptoms of the virus, who will also be self-isolating for a period of time.

The resilience hubs will be located at Ferndale, Porth, Garth Olwg, Llantrisant, Aberdare and Mountain Ash – with an additional facility at Llys Cadwyn to open once ready from Monday, March 30.

The Prime Minister and First Minister yesterday confirmed that the NHS is currently writing to those residents who fall into high-risk health categories.

The advice letter directs those individuals to firstly seek support from friends, family or neighbours for tasks including the delivery of food and medicine during the isolation period.

Residents who do not have people who can support them in this way are being advised to contact the Council.

In advance of residents in the high-risk categories receiving their letters, the Council has established a dedicated contact number and web information. Residents in these circumstance can contact the Council on 01443 425020 or visit the Council’s dedicated webpage where an e-form can be found to request assistance.

Residents in the high-risk category are being advised that they will continue to get the healthcare they require during this period. GP practice and hospital care teams know who is in this high risk category, and will be in touch if any changes are needed to a resident’s individual care.

County Borough Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of the Council said: “Since the Council launched its pubic campaign to recruit volunteers, more than 350 residents have already signed up to support community resilience efforts.

“The Prime Minister and First Minister have set-out how Councils will lead the support for those residents who require isolation over an extended period of at least 12 weeks, and in response, we are establishing seven community resilience hubs to co-ordinate the response of volunteers and the third sector led by the Council.

“In addition, dedicated advice has been published on the Council’s website for those residents who may not have the ability to reply-upon neighbours, family and friends during periods of self-isolation.”